Firefighters return to work after latest strike
Firefighters are returning to work in Plymouth and around the South West after the latest in a series of strikes by the Fire Brigades Union (FBU).
The two-hour walkout took place between 6.00am to 8.00am on Monday 4 November.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service has reported no serious incidents this morning.
The Union said that government Fire Minister Brandon Lewis had "worsened his offer on pensions and retirement age to firefighters" ahead of the two-hour walkout.
The FBU said that Mr Lewis had written to them at 3.14pm on Friday — three hours before a strike was due to take place — saying his last offer “was conditional on acceptance” and that it was being withdrawn.
Monday's strike followed the four and half hour walkout on Friday evening. The FBU's action has been criticised in some quarters for coinciding with firework displays around Bonfire Night.
Fire Brigades Union general secretary Matt Wrack said: “Friday’s strike was solid around the country, and there was a huge amount of public sympathy was on show on picket lines, online and via the media.
“By worsening the proposals for firefighters’ pensions, the government has now put a further obstacle in the way of negotiations, but after two years of talks the Fire Brigades Union remain committed to a resolution.
“No firefighter wanted a strike, but we must defend the fire service, public safety and our pensions. The situation has now been exacerbated by ill-informed interventions by Chief Fire Officers which completely contradict government claims that nobody will be sacked.
“In a bizarre twist Chief Officers are saying that firefighters will have a ‘choice’ of being sacked. Firefighters will wonder what planet these very highly-paid Chief Officers are living on.
“We can still get sorted this mess out if the government recognises our concerns and takes account of the real evidence we have given them.”
The strike is due to a dispute with the Government over pension reforms. Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service said that while the issue is a matter between the Fire Brigades Union and Government, every Fire and Rescue Service has a legal duty to maintain a level of service to local communities as best it can.
Ahead of the latest action by firefighters, Lee Howell, Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, said: “The dispute is between the Government and the Fire Brigade Union. Like all other Fire and Rescue Services throughout the country we have contingency plans prepared and will have these arrangements in place. We will continue to respond to 999 calls and will do everything we can to keep the public safe.”
“You can help us by taking extra care and take the time to think about fire safety in your home during this period - checking smoke alarms, ensuring you know what you would do if there was a fire and not making unnecessary calls to the fire and rescue service.”
Phil Martin, Head of Community Fire Safety for the Service, said: “You can help us again by taking extra care and time to think about fire safety in your home during this period - checking smoke alarms, ensuring you know what you would do if there was a fire and not making unnecessary calls to the fire and rescue service. You will find FAQs and lots of fire safety advice on our website, www.dsfire.gov.uk.
Businesses are also reminded to be mindful of their responsibilities, as during periods of industrial action the Service may not be able to respond to fire safety enquiries within its usual timescales. It remains the responsibility of employers, landlords and other premises occupiers to comply with fire safety law. The latest information and advice for businesses can be seen at www.dsfire.gov.uk.
Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service’s advice is to take extra care with these six steps:
• If you haven’t already got one, install a smoke alarm and test it every week
• Take extra care in the kitchen - this is where most fires start
• Check your electrical appliances - turn them off and don’t overload sockets
• If you smoke, put cigarettes out properly
• Sleep safe - check everything in your home every bedtime
• Plan a safe escape - make sure you know how to get out of your home in an emergency
Find more safety advice at www.dsfire.gov.uk.
